What frame size do I need?

[drcarlos]

I want to start road riding over the winter when the trails are too mucky to ride on and I've been out on my Quadra today which is a 54cm frame, now I think it may be too small for me (i'm 5' 10" and have a 32" inside leg) as I have to have the stem up a fair bit and I am still feeling pitched forward on the bars and my wrists hurt after about 10 miles. The seat and stem are nowhere near level and the seat is a good 3-4 inches higher. So being an MTB'er at heart (and why I went for a smaller frame) have I got this wrong? If so what frame size should i be looking for in Retro Raleigh's? There are several prospects I like the look of and will buy and then sell on the Quadra, which will be gutting as I love it and always wanted one but I can't see the point of having something I can't ride.

Thanks,

Carl.

 

[hamster]

Stem length is really, really under-rated for adjusting fit. Remember that a shorter stem has the effect of raising the bars ay about the same amount. Also, many drop bars have very long reach AND drop. So firstly try a stem that's around 20-30mm shorter, then consider some shorter reach bars. Also check that your saddle isn't too far back - I'm not advocating slamming the saddle forward to correct incorrect reach, but it needs to be checked. While knee over pedal spindle isn't a specifically important factor, it's a handy reference for a rough midpoint of saddle positioning.

Many road bikes are set up to look like road racers - fine if you are under 30, train daily and are paid to be in pain.
For us ordinary mortals then bars about 30-50mm below the saddle is probably more comfortable, with perhaps a shorter stem.

 

[cce]

I'm 5ft10 and I flitter between 56 and 57cm frames

 

[mattr]

I'm 5ft10 and I flitter between 56 and 57cm frames

And? I'm a whole inch shorter and use something around 51/52/53. You probably ride frames that are too big.


Best thing to do is go to see someone who REALLY knows what they are doing.

54 *should* be somewhere within range for someone of your height, dependent on top tube length (which is far more important for correct fit than seat tube length)

There are lots and lots of adjustments that can be done with regards to stem length, bar height, bar angle, hood position, saddle height and its fore/aft position, and its angle.

 

[cce]

I'm 5ft10 and I flitter between 56 and 57cm frames

And? I'm a whole inch shorter and use something around 51/52/53. You probably ride frames that are too big.


Best thing to do is go to see someone who REALLY knows what they are doing.

54 *should* be somewhere within range for someone of your height, dependent on top tube length (which is far more important for correct fit than seat tube length)

There are lots and lots of adjustments that can be done with regards to stem length, bar height, bar angle, hood position, saddle height and its fore/aft position, and its angle.

Is that on a traditionally sized frame?

 

[drcarlos]

I'm 5ft10 and I flitter between 56 and 57cm frames

I was thinking that size too, shame it's not the 60cm as there is an Ace condition Raleigh record Ace Moderne with the rare Shimano Sante group on eBay and I'm up in the Sheffield area at the weekend
My current stem is pretty short too (only 11cm) so I don't think there is anything to be gained there sadly. I may store the Quadra though as one of my boys may appreciate it in a few years.

Got a choice of two currently, one is a Raleigh Delta (sat about level with the Quadra in the range but had a race geo frame instead of the Quadras training geo with clearance for guards) which is 531 mains and forks and full 14 Speed Grey/black 105 or a Raleigh off the peg 531c Frame and Forks with what looks like a Campag/Mavic wheelset and 105 Dual pivot brakeset, needs and front mech and double chainset.
Really would prefer a 57cm Record Ace Moderne (653 frame and Sante) or the Road Ace Select (531c and 600 tricolour).

Carl.

 

[daccordimark]

Drcarlos - I'm the same height and inside leg as you and my first bike was a 22.5" Raleigh measured centre-to-top in the traditional British way. No idea about the top tube length but it had a 10cm stem.
When I went all "exotic" and bought an Italian frame I was advised to go to a 54cm measured centre-to-centre with a top tube of 54.5cm and a 10cm stem. If your frame is 54cm centre-to-top then I can see it might be a problem getting the 'bars high enough.

A picture of the current setup might help us.

Mark.

 

[drcarlos]

Drcarlos - I'm the same height and inside leg as you and my first bike was a 22.5" Raleigh measured centre-to-top in the traditional British way. No idea about the top tube length but it had a 10cm stem.
When I went all "exotic" and bought an Italian frame I was advised to go to a 54cm measured centre-to-centre with a top tube of 54.5cm and a 10cm stem. If your frame is 54cm centre-to-top then I can see it might be a problem getting the 'bars high enough.

A picture of the current setup might help us.

Mark.

Hi mark

It's linked in my sig exactly as I rode it today

Carl

 

[dirttorpedo]

Re:

If you currently have a 110mm stem on the bike you have a lot of room to move if you want to go shorter. I'm running an 80mm stem on my bike and I could have gone to a 70mm stem. I'm also switching to a shorter reach handlebar because of my brifters. Maybe swapping the 110 mm for a 90 mm would be a good experiment for you.

 

[cce]

it sounds like the problem is more related to drop than reach

try bringing the stem up, all the way to the max if needs be...